This put up was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Workforce.
I by no means imagined {that a} world big like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, residing proof that abilities matter greater than background. 
Coming from a wholly non-technical background, my first yr of school felt like getting into a very totally different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about information buildings, tasks, and hackathons like second nature, I used to be nonetheless attempting to wrap my head across the fundamentals. It was overwhelming, to say the least. I bear in mind sitting in my first programming class, struggling to grasp easy syntax whereas others breezed by means of problem-solving. There have been moments after I questioned if I had made the fitting alternative and if I used to be actually minimize out for this. However as a substitute of letting it intimidate me, I made a decision I might put within the work, bridge the hole, and get on par with everybody else. And so, I spent countless nights studying, practising, and pushing myself past what I believed I used to be able to.
It was in my second yr that I first got here throughout Cisco. Till then, I had solely heard of it as a worldwide tech big, however the extra I realized about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I grew to become. It rapidly grew to become considered one of my dream corporations, not simply due to its status however due to the form of influence it was making on this planet of expertise. I knew that if I ever obtained the chance, I wished to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, moving into an excellent firm wasn’t nearly fulfilling a dream — it was a necessity. My household had confronted monetary struggles, and I knew that securing a steady, well-paying job would change the whole lot. I carried that accountability with me by means of each late-night examine session, each rejection, and each problem I confronted. I wasn’t simply doing this for myself — I used to be doing it to make sure a greater future for my household.
Quick ahead to my ultimate yr, and that chance got here knocking within the type of Cisco Ideathon 2024, a contest that challenges college students to unravel real-world issues, testing their technical abilities, creativity, and drawback solving-abilities. I began having doubts about myself — would I even stand an opportunity towards candidates from extra famend establishments? However Cisco’s hiring course of proved that expertise speaks louder than labels. Cisco assessed me based mostly on my abilities, with out contemplating different components, which was an enormous testomony to all my efforts prior to now. I used to be evaluated purely on my skills, and for the primary time, I felt really acknowledged for my potential.
After I acquired my internship + full-time provide, I used to be overwhelmed with feelings and couldn’t assist however cry. It wasn’t nearly getting a job — it was validation that arduous work, persistence, and keenness matter greater than the place you come from. All through the method, all that Cisco cared about was what I might deliver to the desk. And that made all of the distinction.
Now that I’ve been a part of Cisco, I can confidently say — it’s the whole lot I hoped for and extra. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued. In contrast to the normal company tradition I had imagined, Cisco fosters an setting that encourages studying, collaboration, and innovation. One of many issues that shocked me probably the most was the work-life steadiness. I had heard horror tales of burnout within the tech business, however Cisco genuinely prioritizes worker well-being. Actually, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time without work for all workers globally to recharge, give attention to ourselves, and step away from work with out utilizing our private depart. It’s a easy but highly effective initiative that exhibits how a lot the corporate values its workers’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private development.
One of the best half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant tasks. Other than my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social accountability (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s method of giving again to the neighborhood. I had the possibility to design posters for most cancers consciousness, create greeting playing cards for most cancers sufferers, and even paint water bowls for stray animals. With the ability to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been extremely fulfilling. Each day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m continuously surrounded by sensible minds prepared to assist and information me. I’m not simply one other intern right here — I’m handled as an integral a part of the crew.
If there’s one factor my journey has taught me, it’s this: by no means let the place you come from outline the place you possibly can go. Irrespective of your background, when you’ve got the abilities, the drive, and the willingness to study, nothing can cease you. The street might not at all times be simple, however belief me, it’s price it.
To each scholar on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue learning, maintain pushing, and when the fitting alternative comes, seize it with each palms. As a result of if I can do it, so are you able to. And, for that I’ll at all times be grateful to Cisco.
At Cisco, we have a good time our workers’ abilities and help significant profession development. Need to see how we make a distinction collectively? Try our Function Report.
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